If there were things you could do to prevent type 2 diabetes, would they be worth the effort?
The answer is a resounding “Yes!” And here’s why.
Diabetes is a leading cause of death in the United States1. Over time, it can lead to complications such as heart disease and stroke, as well as vision loss, kidney failure, nerve damage, and the loss of limbs.2 It affects an estimated 30 million people in the U.S. and as many as 95 percent of those cases are likely type 2 diabetes.3
Diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are dangerously high. It is a disorder of the metabolism, which is the way our bodies use food for energy.
Most of the food we eat is broken down into glucose. It enters the bloodstream and travels to cells throughout the body where it is used for energy. A hormone called insulin must be present to allow glucose, or blood sugar, to enter the cells.
With type 2 diabetes, your body either resists the effects of insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain a normal glucose level.4
Before full-blown diabetes develops, most people go through a stage called prediabetes. This occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. People with prediabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years. In addition, they are at risk for heart disease and stroke.5
Changing your lifestyle can be a big step toward prevention. Making a few changes now may help you avoid the serious health complications of diabetes down the road. This is especially important if you’re at increased risk of diabetes.6
This communication doesn’t guarantee benefits and doesn’t indicate all services received will be covered by your plan. Please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or call Customer Service at the number on the back of your Humana ID card to confirm that the service will be covered by your plan.
This material is provided for informational use only. You should consult with your doctor.
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